1929
Catherine
2016
Catherine A. (Leavitt) Arena
December 31, 1929 — July 31, 2016
Burlington - Catherine A. Arena of Burlington, formerly of Waltham, passed away on Sunday night, July 31, 2016 at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was 86. Born in Athol on December 31, 1929, she was adopted by the late Carrie Leavitt when she was 2 years old, a woman she regarded highly and spoke of often.
Catherine graduated from Newton High before meeting her husband of 57 years, the late Salvatore C. Arena. Together, they settled in Waltham, where they raised their four children. Both were well traveled, having visited places such as Italy, England, France, and China. Catherine enjoyed sharing stories of her travels.
An avid card player, Catherine relished her card game adventures played with family and friends. She also had an affinity for animals. Multiple dogs and cats were not uncommon in her house. She even cared for the wildlife in her backyard, as well as the neighborhood strays. Over the years, Catherine donated to many animal charities. Her love of animals was as strong as her passion for politics. Catherine could talk politics for days and would so with anyone who would listen. Her strong opinions were backed by her extensive knowledge of the subject.
Catherine moved to Stonebridge at Burlington about three years ago, a place she loved, with a staff she spoke of fondly.
Catherine was the loving wife of the late Salvatore C. Arena, and the devoted mother of the late Joseph J. 'Jay' Arena. She is survived by her daughters Cecelia Fournier and her husband, Barry, of Lowell, Susan St. Claire and her husband, Dwight, of Palm Beach, FL, and Mary-Jo Brady and her husband, Robert, of Boston. She is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored.
Services will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.
Catherine graduated from Newton High before meeting her husband of 57 years, the late Salvatore C. Arena. Together, they settled in Waltham, where they raised their four children. Both were well traveled, having visited places such as Italy, England, France, and China. Catherine enjoyed sharing stories of her travels.
An avid card player, Catherine relished her card game adventures played with family and friends. She also had an affinity for animals. Multiple dogs and cats were not uncommon in her house. She even cared for the wildlife in her backyard, as well as the neighborhood strays. Over the years, Catherine donated to many animal charities. Her love of animals was as strong as her passion for politics. Catherine could talk politics for days and would so with anyone who would listen. Her strong opinions were backed by her extensive knowledge of the subject.
Catherine moved to Stonebridge at Burlington about three years ago, a place she loved, with a staff she spoke of fondly.
Catherine was the loving wife of the late Salvatore C. Arena, and the devoted mother of the late Joseph J. 'Jay' Arena. She is survived by her daughters Cecelia Fournier and her husband, Barry, of Lowell, Susan St. Claire and her husband, Dwight, of Palm Beach, FL, and Mary-Jo Brady and her husband, Robert, of Boston. She is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored.
Services will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine A. (Leavitt) Arena, please visit our flower store.
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